Sunday, March 28, 2010

Shifting Focus A Little

I mentioned on Friday that I will be getting more serious about losing some weight in 2010. That is going to require some discipline. The kind that is much harder for me than putting some shoes on and pounding the pavement….

In case you’re wondering about The Running Fat Guy, my story is in this blog post. In the abridged version, suffice it to say that I was a lot pudgier and rounder back in 2006 when I hit 18.5 stone (sounds sooo much better than 260 pounds) on the scale. It was a ironic, because growing up, my problem had always been the opposite. I was a fledgling athlete in High School, but at 5’ 11” and 133 pounds, I had a difficult time competing with the more athletically gifted.

Well, it was through hard work on the rowing machine followed by miles on the pavement that has me back in shape enough that I can take my shirt off at the beach.  But to be honest, the gains (or actually losses) have been minimal for the past year and a half. I’ve been in a narrow +/- 10 pound range around 215 for that time. Well, it’s time to buckle down.

Why has this been the case? Well, it’s really pretty simple. When I first started my journey as The Running Fat Guy, I was pretty anal about watching both sides of the caloric equation. As I got further along, I chose to ignore the part that was giving me the bad news. The part telling me that I couldn’t have that second bagel, or that extra slice of cheesecake. The bottom line is it is only because of all the miles on the pavement that I’m not back to resembling the Running Fat Guy of 2007.

Just like getting into shape takes some hard work, shedding those pounds do too.. Time to dust off the calorie trackers, and make the Running Fat Guy a name of the past.

12 comments:

  1. Great minds think alike! Good luck on your quest.

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  2. You've come a long way, Glenn...you can do it, you have so much drive and determination!

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  3. I'm with ya! I lost 35 pounds (not as much as I needed to) a few years ago and then gained about 5-10 back. I need to work off that extra 15-20 pounds. It will be interesting to hear how you're doing it. I used Weight Watchers successfully the first time around but I'm unemployed now... not relishing the idea of spending money to lose it.

    Good luck with it!

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  4. Consider borrowing P90X from a friend and trying that for a couple weeks...just to see what you think. (but do not start till your cold is better..it is intense...you will need energy!) You might be shocked at the results (pay attention to bodyfat percentage, tho....that is what changes the most!!!)

    If you do P90X and also follow their nutrition guide....you will notice even faster results. Warning, tho...the first three weeks has massive amounts of protein (this..from me...paleo lady who loves the protein...lol..but their recommended amount is more than even I can manage in a day) You would have to do the formula with your numbers...it would likely have you either eating 2400 or 2800 calories a day with around 21-24 ounces of protein. And..yes...you lose weight still and gain muscle even at that amount of calories. It is quite something. But, you also work your patooty off 6 out of 7 days a week. Give it a couple of weeks...you might love it..you might hate it...but there is only one way to find out. :) Oh, and you need a pull up bar and some weights. But I bet you already have those. (and..yes..you can modify the pullups if you need to...i do)

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  5. Hi Glenn,
    How can I not adore you with a post like this:) You will always inspire me with your desire and passion to succeed! You have accomplished so much in the few months that I have been reading your blog:) There is no doubt in my mind that you will do whatever you set your mind to!! You have a positive attitude and the heart of gold to go along with it!! Good luck Glenn....I will be cheering you on throughout your journey:)

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  6. Yeah, that's the thing about running, it makes you think you can eat more EVERY day but you forget about rest days. Well, that's how it is for me. :) That's why I had to start keeping track of my calories, too. Good luck!

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  7. Yeah, we're definitely in the same place, Glenn! Watching the intake is so much less fun, isn't it?

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  8. I think this is a great idea. We all get off track with the calorie counting and keeping track of what we are eating because sometimes I just want to eat a lot of cookie or cake or pie!

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  9. Good luck to you, Glenn! Truth be told, 6 years ago at this time I weighed in at 245. Last weigh in this past weekend was 184. I have no doubt that with the dedication you have shown with your running, you will be be successful with achieving your weight goals!

    All the best to you!

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  10. Good luck! I have faith you can do it. ;)

    Thanks for your supportive comments on my blog - they really mean a lot to me. xoxo

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  11. Same here, Glenn. My initial weighloss just dropped off b/c I was sedentary and eating junk food. Now I really have to work out a lot and be a cautious eater to even just maintain (since the trade-off for so much running is the necessity to refuel.)

    I like the idea of refocusing on it, and from your subsequent post, focusing on body fat % is much more meaningful to your body at this point. Keep it up! Can't wait to read all about how you do it (and hopefully steal some tips!)

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